Workplace physical environmental factors associated with pulmonary tuberculosis among workers: a scoping review

Tuberculosis remains a major global public health problem. Workers may experience an increased risk of pulmonary tuberculosis due to prolonged exposure to physical environmental factors, such as poor ventilation and exposure to dust or silica. It may facilitate airborne transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This study aimed to synthesize current evidence on the association of workplace physical environmental factors with the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis among worker populations.

A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews Statement guidelines. Searches were performed in Scopus, WoS, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2016 and 2026 examining workplace environmental factors associated with pulmonary tuberculosis were considered. The process involved identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and inclusion stages.

A total of 2267 records were identified. After screening and eligibility assessment, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings consistently indicated that inadequate ventilation, poor air circulation, workplace crowding, exposure to dust and silica, and unfavorable indoor environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity were associated with increased tuberculosis risk among workers.

Workplace physical environmental conditions are associated with tuberculosis transmission in occupational settings. Strengthening ventilation, controlling occupational dust exposure, and improving workplace infection prevention strategies are essential to reduce tuberculosis risk among workers.